BY: ABDULKADIR M LAWAN, JULY 18, 2025/ 12:06AM

The recent decision to rename the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) to Muhammadu Buhari University has sparked a heated debate on social media, with many taking to Twitter and Facebook to share their thoughts. As a proud Northeasterner, I believe that this renaming is a well-deserved tribute to a leader who has left an indelible mark on our region.

President Buhari's contributions to Borno State and the North East region cannot be overstated. His administration's efforts to combat insurgency, including the relocation of the Theatre Command to Borno, have significantly reduced the threat of terrorism in the state. The establishment of the North East Development Commission (NEDC) headquarters in Borno and the emergency gas power plant in Maiduguri are testaments to his commitment to the region's development.

Notably, during his tenure, Borno sons held key positions, including Chief of Staff (CoS) to the President, National Security Adviser (NSA), Chief of Army Staff (COAS), and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) boss, b among others. This demonstrates the trust and confidence he had in the region's leadership and capabilities.

Some have argued that the renaming is unnecessary, but I disagree. Changing the name of the university to Muhammadu Buhari University is a gesture of respect and appreciation for the late President's service to the nation. The quality of education, discipline, and prestige that UNIMAID is known for will remain unchanged. The name "UNIMAID" will still be synonymous with excellence in the region, and the addition of "Muhammadu Buhari University" will simply serve as a formal recognition of the President's legacy.

Moreover, the renaming is not an erasure of the university's identity. The institution will still be located in Maiduguri, and its history and traditions will remain intact. The addition of Muhammadu Buhari's name will serve as a reminder of the President's contributions to the region and the nation.

I urge my fellow Bornoans to remain calm and see this renaming as a fitting tribute to a leader who has done so much for our region. We should celebrate this gesture and continue to strive for excellence in all areas of our lives. The legacy of Muhammadu Buhari will undoubtedly inspire future generations of students and scholars at the university.